Jim Donovan (born March 10, 1968) is a professional drummer and percussionist, a recording artist, writer, teacher and lecturer.[1] He is best known as the former drummer and one of the founding members of the band Rusted Root.[1] He is also the author of the book Drum Circle Leadership: Learn to Create and Lead Your Own Transformational Drum Circles.

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Donovan studied and played African rhythms with various master drummers such as Congolese master drummer Elie Kihonia, Mamady Keita and Mbemba Bangoura. He also studied African music with noted scholar Kwabena Nketia from Ghana.[2] He holds a B.A. in Music Performance from the University of Pittsburgh and a Masters of Educational Leadership from Saint Francis University where he is an instructor in the University's Fine Arts Program and the director of both the University's World Drumming Ensemble and Arts in the Mountains Festival.[3]

Donovan's CD Revelation #9 was nominated for 2004 Electronica Album of the Year by Just Plain Folks Songwriters organization.[4] He was named winner of the 2008 Best Drum Circle Facilitator award, and was a nominee for 2008 Best Percussion Performance in Drum! Magazine.[5]